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Hamilton not considered to start Wild Card Game

Hamilton not considered to start Wild Card Game

10/1/13: Reds manager Dusty Baker discusses forming a roster for one game and how to use the catalyst that is Billy Hamilton

By Mark Sheldon and Anthony Castrovince
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MLB.com |

PITTSBURGH -- Blazin' Billy Hamilton is as big a superstar as a pinch-runner can reasonably be.

But while Hamilton's impact on the Reds has been immediate enough to earn him a spot on the postseason roster, manager Dusty Baker wasn't quite ready to upgrade him from his current bench role in the National League Wild Card Game against the Pirates.

"People are making a starter out of him ahead of schedule because he's so exciting," Baker said. "But let's not forget he just started switch-hitting a year ago. He just started playing center field a year ago. He has some things to learn offensively, because, remember, he was hitting .251 [in Triple-A Louisville]."

Besides, Baker had no intention of resting center fielder Shin-Soo Choo, or corner outfielders Jay Bruce and Ryan Ludwick, for that matter.

But the Reds certainly saw enough value in Hamilton's legs -- he stole 13 bases in 14 attempts after his September promotion -- to keep him around.

"I try to put guys in a situation where they'll most likely succeed," Baker said.